Rashee Rice’s six‑game suspension shifts KC’s WR load early in the season, prompting a calculated shuffle among Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith‑Schuster and Tyquan Thornton to keep Mahomes productive. Kansas City leans into two‑TE looks with Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, while relying on the quartet for mid‑range and deep ball opportunities as Rice works back from knee rehab.

Rice’s absence tests the offense’s ceiling, but Mahomes’ playmaking still offers weekly upside. The team gathered in camp with a plan to stay balanced when Rice is out, and to maximize matchup advantages when he returns around Week 7 against Las Vegas. If the postseason runs go as hoped, Rice could still secure a long‑term deal, underscoring the move’s strategic flexibility for KC.